In a recent Twitter thread, OnlyFans creator and former PhD candidate Zara Dar addressed widespread speculation about her life, career, and even her real name. Known for her remarkable transition from academia to becoming a millionaire content creator, Zara set the record straight on rumors that have swirled online.
Setting the Record Straight
Zara’s thread comes after a surge in misinformation following her viral video explaining why she left her PhD program to pursue OnlyFans full-time. Zara clarified in her post: “My full last name is Darcy, which I shortened to Darz/Dar.”
She also addressed key aspects of her decision to leave academia:
- Her PhD in Engineering: Zara confirmed she chose to drop out of her program, citing the state of academia as the primary factor. “Money was only part of the story,” she wrote, urging followers to watch her video for the full explanation.
- Her transition to OnlyFans: Zara revealed she had been creating content on OnlyFans while pursuing her PhD, eventually making it her full-time career. “This shift has given me the freedom to focus on learning and sharing new
STEM content on YouTube,” she added.
In her thread, Zara also debunked claims linking her to deepfake content and meme coins created using her name and image, stressing that she does not endorse or profit from these.
Is she Indian?
Dar wrote: “With all due respect, I am not Pakistani. I believe some people are confusing me with a beautiful influencer named “Zara Dar” @ZaraNaeemDar. I am American, born and raised, with a mixed background: American, Persian, Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Indian.”
From Academia to OnlyFans
Zara Dar’s journey is a testament to bold career reinventionFormerly a PhD candidate in Engineering, she left academia in favor of a career on OnlyFans—a move that has earned her over $1 million in under two years.
Speaking about her academic experience, Zara described a disillusioning reality: “Professors spend more time writing grant proposals than conducting research. “Even the most successful in academia barely earn enough to get by.”
The frustrations of academia, combined with the financial opportunities offered by OnlyFans, led her to a turning point. Starting as a side hustle during her PhD, her OnlyFans success grew to a level where she could pay off her family’s mortgage, purchase a car, and build a financially stable future—all without taking on student debt.
Reimagining Success
Zara’s story has resonated with many, particularly those questioning traditional career paths. Her transparency about the limitations of academia and her choice to pursue financial independence has sparked debates on the value of conventional education and the potential of unconventional careers.
“Most people in academia work their entire lives for someone else’s recognition,” Zara said in her viral video. “I wanted something more.”
Now a millionaire, Zara continues to engage her audience on YouTube, sharing STEM-related content while maintaining her OnlyFans presence.
Addressing Online Controversies
Zara also tackled some controversies, including the proliferation of deepfake content and unauthorized uses of her image:
“I never used another name on social media, and this is my only account. Unfortunately, some have mistaken fake content for reality,” she wrote, urging her followers to verify sources before believing such material.
She emphasized that her brand remains independent, adding that she has no affiliation with meme coins or similar projects exploiting her image.
A Bold Career Move
Zara Dar’s pivot from academia to OnlyFans is emblematic of a larger shift among professionals seeking alternatives to traditional career models. For Zara, the move has not only been financially rewarding but also liberating:
“This isn’t just about money—it’s about control,” she said.
As Zara continues to redefine her path, her story serves as both a critique of the academic grind and an example of what’s possible when unconventional choices pay off.
